What I have been up to

March 6th, 2007

This is an English translation of a sort of “letter” or note that I gave my mom and my sister, trying to explain, in very simple words, the things that I’ve been doing in the Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) scene, specifically with Kubuntu. You might wonder why I had to write it down and not just talk to her about it. Well, there are different reasons. One, they never really asked me for this information. It’s really like unsolicited advice, so I really don’t know where to put it in. Two, I got blank stares when I tried talking about it, as if I were speaking in some alien language. Third, I wanted to use this as a case study, too. How do you try to explain to people what you’re doing, in very simple English, specially if they’re not that “well-versed” with technical computer stuff?

I’ve asked people’s opinions about what I wrote, both the original (mixed Tagalog/English) and this translated English text. I know that it’s really not the best work I’ve done, and might still be a bit too complicated or technical. I’m still going to wait for my mother’s and sister’s reactions before I conclude anything. But I’m guessing it’s a bit of a failure already.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a very simple explanation of Kubuntu, KDE, Linux or FOSS in just a few paragraphs? Or maybe I totally missed them? If anyone has links, plese do share. ^_^

You might have been wondering what has been keeping me busy with the computer for the past months. You might have been thinking that I’m always playing some game, or addicted to some vice.

Wonder no more, because this will explain all!

For the past months/year, I’ve been involved with Kubuntu. Kubuntu is a free operating system (the software that runs your computer, like Windows) based on Linux (another operating system). It’s legally free, so no worries about pirated copies or illegal stuff. It’s also called “free or open source software”, which means you are free to change it if you want, and give it away.

Most of what I’ve done in Kubuntu is giving help to other people. Sort of like tech support, except it’s done through the internet. I’m also an IRC operator, which is like a police in online chat. Then, last February 1, 2007, I was approved for Kubuntu Membership. Membership means that you have contributed to Kubuntu in a big way, like user/tech support. It’s also a sort of “rank”, which gives you some rights and privileges in Kubuntu (but not money heheh!).

Then there’s Ubuntu-PH. Ubuntu-PH is the community of Ubuntu users in the Philippines and for Filipinos. We have members all over the Philippines, some in the US and other countries. So when I say something like “an online friend”, most often than not, I’m referring to members of Ubuntu-PH. BUt I’ve also befriended other people who are not using Kubuntu and are from other countries. I’m international now!

But why am I doing these? Am I getting paid to do these? No, I’m not being paid, but I enjoy doing it for free. I received a wonderful gift for free, so I give for free. Besides, it’s a better use of the free time that I have right now. Will I be doing this free thing forever? Maybe, maybe not. Who knows? One thing’s for sure, I will still try to help other people whenever I can.

Right now, I’m also self-studying programming and other Linux/computer-related stuff. Who knows? I might become a professional programmer, get hired, and go to international conferences and gatherings (my dream).

My Desktop Computer

Some useful links:

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One Response to “What I have been up to”

  1. kadjo Says:
    March 11th, 2007 at 11:06 am

    So this is the final output? :) nice…I though i might be singing the song of parokya – fafa cologne. But you’ve made a nice article out of it. Thats the power of being a priest (dont argue with me pls) dude and we’re proud then of your service to the community worldwide.

    Un Saludo!!

    Jojo Maquiling

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